Me Wants It: Vena Cava, Erickson Beaman, Rachel Roy, Vivienne Westwood and more.

I am trying to get myself back on my regular posting schedule, so... without further ado, I bring you this week's lust list:

This lace Filament dress by Vena Cava is both delicate and decidedly military-inspired at the same time.  Love the asymmetrical hem (as always), and the contrast of the lace (especially the back!), army green silk skirt, and lamé detailing.
 
Meanwhile, this ruffled silk chiffon dress is from Vena Cava's Aqua line for Bloomingdale's. More affordable, and just as cute.   

 
You can never own enough leopard print.  Vivienne Westwood's Red Label brings us this asymmetrical sequined silk skirt.  It's fun.  It's striking.  Dress it down for work or up for a night on the town.



Also from Vivienne Westwood's Red Label, I ADORE this glitter sweater dress.  First, it's a sweater dress.  Always a winner.  Second, it's blue.  And it glitters.  I think I am in love. (also - those Louboutin's the model is wearing haunt my dreams).



Is it odd that this embellished silk-tulle dress by Rachel Gilbert reminds me of Andy South's braided ribbon creation from this season's "unconventional materials" episode of Project Runway?  Anyone else see a resemblence, or am I just crazy?  Regardless, I love both!



Next up in this week's lust list we have - oh wait.  How did he get here?


Gerry, dear - you don't belong in THIS lust list.

Sorry about that.

Moving on, Diane von Furstenberg has always been one of my faves.  A lot of my closet is made up of staple pieces in shades of black and grey.  This Jori Patchwork Dress would fit in nicely.  Great shape and fun fabric choices.


Now, this isn't your grandma's crochet dress.  Rachel Roy takes the art of crocheting to the next level with this stunning metallic gold piece.  Love the touch of lace-up detail in the back.  Perfect for a special night out.


I can't decide if I would actually wear this, but something about it definitely draws me in.  Kirrily Johnston's Silent Trees long cardigan is unique looking.  I don't have anything like it in my closet - maybe that is why I am so drawn to it.

This shirt by Erin Wasson X RVCA speaks for itself.  I Want it.


One of the easiest ways to update your look for Fall is purchasing a statement bag.  This Piper shoulder bag by Diane von Furstenberg has some great detailing.  Nubuck trim, stud accents, gunmetal hardware.  Plus it's a great size - 14"H x 15"L x 3"D. 

Christina Hendrick's is wearing a particular pair of Erickson Beamon earrings in her Capitol File Magazine photoshoot that I want to find, but until then, these twisted gunmetal and Swarovski crystal earrings are a nice alternative.  Too, too cute!



What are you coveting this week? 


All images courtesy of net-a-porter, shopbop, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales.

Me Wants It: Brian Atwood, Temperley London, Diane von Furstenberg and more.

Well, the weather is finally starting to cool down a bit now.  You'd think I would be thrilled because that means fall styles are around the corner, but now, all of a sudden, I find myself clinging to summer.  A few more 90 degree days won't hurt anyone!

Nevertheless, this week's lust list is all about fall and includes a few pairs of amazonian heels, lace and military-inspired trends and a dragon!

Let's begin with this Temperley London tunic.  This is probably my favorite piece out of everything listed here.  I love the cutout shoulder and the way the intricate beading detail is incorporated into the design.  It's such a fun piece, and if it didn't cost $1,250 I would buy it in a second.  Alas, that is (quite) a bit out of my price range.

I love the silhouette of this Diane von Furstenberg navy pinstripe dress and the zipper down the back adds the perfect touch of unexpected character. Professional yet flirty.

 

Lace is a big trend for the fall.  This Ports 1961 sheath would be perfect for work.  The lining is a great autumn color, and the gorgeous lace overlay adds a nice touch of delicacy.

I love everything about this Diane von Furstenerg Pilton felted lace coat.  It's the perfect shape for someone curvy and the lace panels give it a fun and unique look.  I would rock this all winter.

 

On the flip-side of delicate lace, this grey biker jacket offers a unique take on this fall's military trend.  Instead of the expected leather, Isabel Marant's design is made of a wool-blend.  Perfect for layering!

Moving on to footwear.... I admit I have a thing for Brian Atwood pumps.  I love the embellishments he adds to his designs.  These Harrison pumps are not only chain embellished, they are also braided!  And mauve!  Love.

 

These Christian Louboutin Bibi 140 suede pumps have a 5.5 inch heel with a 1 inch platform.  So what if I am 5'7 - I love tall heels!  These can be dressed up or down for the fall.

The unique shape of these Elizabeth and James Mason metallic pumps is what draws me to them.  I like the way the platform is designed, and the lizard-embossed pewter color isn't too bad either.

Finally, I've always wanted a dragon cuff.  I love the way John Hardy incorporated some 18K gold into this design for the eyes... it really makes the dragon come alive.

How do you feel about autumn's impending approach?  Excited?  Or are you still hanging on to those last moments of summer?

All images courtesy of net-a-porter, shopbop and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Me Wants It: Antik Batik, Temperley London, YSL, John Hardy and more.

Happy Monday everyone!

Yet again, another weekend comes to an end all too soon.  I hope everyone was able to relax and have some fun!  

Before I get completely lost in work today, I had to take a moment to bring you this week's edition of "Me Wants It."  Pretty things always make me smile :)

First up is this olive-colored shirt from Elizabeth and James.  I love this take on the military-inspired trend because the silk-charmeuse material gives the shirt an unexpected touch of femininity. 

Temperley London's Vida silk minidress is absolutely stunning. Black silk, gold studs, and that dramatic back - perfection!

 

I am absolutely in LOVE with the color of these Yves Saint Laurent Palais pumps.  I need more fuschia in life.

Normally I don't go for bags that are shaped like animals, but this Judith Leiber clutch is adorable.  The price?  Not so much.  But it is embellished with hand-placed fine crystals...

Now, this John Hardy ring I would buy in a second.  I love big rings.  Alas, it is sold out already! :( 

Finally, the beauty of this Antik Batik Anka beaded suede necklace speaks for itself.  SERIOUSLY coveting this piece.  Hope it doesn't sell out before I save enough pennies.

 

As Fall approaches I seem to be coveting more accessories, shoes and bags than I am clothing.  What about you?  Have you started your Fall shopping yet? 

All images courtesy of net-a-porter.

Me Wants It: Asymmetric Hemlines by Cavalli &The Row, 50's style by L'Wren Scott & Moschino & more!

Have you seen (or read) The Lord of the Rings?  If so, you may have guessed that the title of this series, "Me Wants It",  is a reference to the character Gollum.  That poor, poor creature's life was destroyed the moment he first laid eyes on THE ring.  Yet, for as long as he lived, he could never get it out of his head.  

"We wants it, we needs it. Must have the precious. They stole it from us" 

Poor thing.  

I am not quite as bad as Gollum.  "Me Wants It" is about the things I am coveting each week.  Most I can't afford, and many I am out-sized of.  Thankfully, my life goes on - quite happily - without them.  However, I do like to look and find inspiration for my real purchases!

This weeks edition of "Me Wants It" focuses on asymmetric hemlines.  I didn't plan it this way.  In fact, it was quite accidental.  It all started with this Cavalli gown. I was first drawn to the printed silk, but that hem is what finally did it for me.  Cascading silk layers.  Animal print.  Perfection.

 

This black crepe dress by The Row is already sold out on net-a-porter.  I can see why.  It's simple.  It's elegant.  And that asymmetric hemline makes it distinct.  

Then there is this Rick Owens leather jacket. It's in a great color for the fall.  The ribbed jersey trim and asymmetric hem give it a unique look, while the slightly distressed leather just looks touchable.

I don't really want to think about winter, because Cleveland winters are cold, grey, dreary and dull.  I think this Markus Lupfer twill tartan coat would be a nice way to combat the winter blues.  Although the color and pattern aren't anything out of the ordinary, that hemline just makes it fun!

Now, here are a few symmetric hemlines that are equally covet-worthy:

Love the 50's hourglass silhouette and dark blue color of this L'Wren Scott metallic jacquard dress.  So sexy.

I am also a firm believer that you can never have too many pencil skirts in your closet. This Bouclé wool-blend pencil skirt by Moschino will work for day and evening wear.

Now, moving on to the things that I could fit into to...

First up are these Belle by Sigerson Morrison Cuffed Convertible Boots.  I missed buying the Ash Olivia Suede Fold-over boots before they sold out last year.  These remind me of them a bit.

Similarly, ever since I saw the ever-stylish Jessica of What I Wore wearing the Coach Karolina Heel in Natural  in I have been kicking myself for not buying them before they sold out. Now I am hunting for the perfect pair of nude sandals or pumps to elongate my legs. These Brian Atwood's are out of my price range, but I adore the touch of black. They would be perfect for the Fall. 

And finally, for a bit of fun. At first glance this jade and pearl-embellished ring by Mawi looks pretty tame. But a closer look reveals a skull hiding amongst the pearls!

I don't know why, but that skull just makes me smile. Maybe because it is so unexpected?    

Where do you find inspiration for your "real" shopping? Magazines? Online? Elsewhere?

Me Wants It: Valerie Mayen, McQueen, Choo and more!

Did you know that Cleveland, OH holds its own Fashion Week every May?

Or that three Ohioans competed in Season 5 of Project Runway?  

Or that Seasons 3, 6 and 7 also each had one contestant from the state?

Or that at least ten different Ohio schools offer degrees in Fashion Design?

Most people don't think "fashion" when they think of Cleveland, yet fashion is an important facet of the city.

Project Runway kicked off it's 8th Season last week.  During the premiere episode we were introduced to another local contestant: Valerie Mayen.  Although she's been sworn to secrecy regarding the show, the local buzz is that she may be among the final contestants competing for top prize.

Valerie's designs, and her shop Yellowcake, are well known amongst Clevelanders who do follow fashion.  This weeks edition of "Me Wants It" includes two coats from her etsy shop that would be perfect for those chilly Cleveland days that are around the corner.

  

I love the name of this Valerie Mayen coat: The Blue Kangaroo.  How cute is that, and how great is the color?    

This white Valerie Mayen coat is also just as lust-worthy.  Great shape, excellent-looking construction.  I don't know which coat I like more.
 

 

This military-inspired Jack by BB Dakota coat is not as luxe as Mayen's pieces, but it is still on trend. 

Moving on to footwear, first up are these Frye Over the Knee Boots in distressed, pebbled leather.  I can't decide between smoke and black.  Which do you prefer?

Then we have these Jimmy Choo suede ankle boots.  I love this take on shearling - very glamorous. 

Saks Fifth Avenue NYC recently announced that it would begin carrying some designs in size 14 (and up) in (extremely) limited numbers.  In the meantime, I can pretend the two dresses come in my size.

I love the exposed lining and frayed wool in this Alexander McQueen's distressed pencil dress.  

There is a definite vintage feel to this printed silk dress by Erdem.  All it needs is a pen necklace like the one Joan wears on Mad Men!

My weekly bag pick is this Sara Berman studded slouch bag.  Check out the different sizes of the studs on the bottom of the bag.  It's a softer look than the studded bags of the past few seasons.

 
  

Finally we have this simple necklace by Gorjana.  I'm a huge fan of her line, and this piece is no exception.  

What are you coveting?  What Fall trends are you most excited about? 

All images courtesy of net-a-porter, Etsy, shopbop, and ModCloth